The prophet Jeremiah compares God and His people to a potter and clay. With great purpose, care, and patience, God will use even pagan kings to discipline, shape, mold, and prepare God's people - that they may devote themselves wholly to Him and be made useful for His purposes.

"See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land." Isaiah 32:1-2